SAN JOSE EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Fifteen Minutes in a Grotto: Meet a Catalina Mermaid in Avalon
Step into a short, family-friendly grotto visit to meet a real Catalina Mermaid, pose for a souvenir photo and leave with a small ocean treasure — a concise guide to what to expect and how to plan your visit.
Fifteen Minutes in a Grotto: Meet a Catalina Mermaid in Avalon.
Dive into the Catalina Island Mermaids experience: an intimate, 15-minute visit inside an underwater-themed grotto where guests meet a real mermaid, pose for a printed keepsake photo, and receive a small treasure from the mermaid’s chest. The interaction is designed to be personal and family-friendly, with small groups and an optional pearl-opening add-on for those who want a longer moment to remember.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An Intimate Meeting in the Mermaid Grotto
Groups are kept small so each guest gets meaningful face time with a mermaid who doubles as an ocean advocate and storyteller, making the moment feel immersive and personal.
Printed Photos and Ocean Treasures
Every visit includes a souvenir 4x6 printed photo taken by the team and a special treasure drawn from the mermaid’s chest for each guest to take home.
A Visit That Gives Back
The experience supports water-safety education: one dollar from every ticket is donated to Swim Brayv, a nonprofit focused on drowning prevention and access to safe swim programs.
What the day feels like
What the Experience Feels Like
The flow is brisk and deliberately warm: check in at the Catalina Island Mermaids store, step into the themed grotto to meet a mermaid, share a few moments of conversation and pose for a printed photo, then receive a small ocean treasure before browsing the shop or opting for the pearl add-on — all in roughly a quarter of an hour.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for roughly 15 minutes per group; optional add-ons such as the Mermaid Pearl experience may add a few extra minutes to your visit.
Bring a phone or camera if you want your own photos—team provides a souvenir 4x6 printed photo but guests are welcome to snap and share their own images.
Check in at the Catalina Island Mermaids store at your scheduled time; groups are limited to six guests per time slot, so punctuality is advised.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the experience?
The visit runs about 15 minutes per group; optional add-ons like the pearl experience may add a few extra minutes.
Where do I meet the mermaid?
Meet at Catalina Island Mermaids, 128F Sumner Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704.
How many people can participate at once?
Group size is limited to up to six guests per time slot.
Will I get a photo?
Yes—the team provides a souvenir 4x6 printed photo for each guest, and you’re welcome to take your own phone photos for social media.
Is there a keepsake included?
Each guest receives a special treasure from the mermaid’s chest; there’s also an optional Mermaid Pearl experience where you open an oyster and select a keepsake necklace.
How much does the experience cost?
The published headline price is $10 per person for the core 15-minute experience.
Does the visit support any nonprofits?
Yes—one dollar from every ticket is donated to Swim Brayv, a nonprofit focused on water safety and drowning-prevention programs.